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Prevention and Screening

Cancer Prevention Tips

There's no certain way to prevent cancer. But doctors have identified several ways of reducing your cancer risk. These include simple steps, like maintaining a health diet, and even scheduling a cancer screening with your doctor.

Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer - not just lung cancer. Quitting now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.

Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you haven't been exercising regularly, start out slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Schedule cancer screening exams. Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer screening exams are best for you, based on your risk factors.

Ask your doctor about immunizations. Certain viruses increase your risk of cancer. Immunizations may help prevent those viruses, including hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk of cervical cancer and other cancers. Ask your doctor whether immunization against these viruses is appropriate for you.